Input method and input apparatus

ABSTRACT

There are provided with a detection sensor  110  for detecting an approach and a contact of a living body or a material body in a predetermined detection region, a control means which outputs a drive signal in a case when an approach is detected by a detection sensor and which performs an input process for accepting an input of a predetermined function in a case when a contact is detected on a predetermined condition, and an actuator  120  being vibrated temporarily by the drive signal outputted by the control means. By doing like this, in a case when, for example, a finger, a pen or the like is approached to the detection region of the sensor while the equipment is held in a hand, the equipment vibrates temporarily by detecting the approach in the sensor  110  and the vibration transmits to the hand holding the equipment such that it becomes possible to comprehend that an input will be carried out by touching the position.

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/514,393, filedJun. 24, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,570,277, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. Application Ser. No. 10/514,393 is theU.S. National stage of International Application No. PCT/JP03/05949,filed on May 13, 2003, and claims priority to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2002-141741, filed on May 16, 2002, and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2002-144951, filed on May 20, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an input method and an input apparatussuitable for operating electronic equipment constituted as a portabletype in a comparatively small size.

BACKGROUND ART

Heretofore, since it is difficult to arrange a keyboard such as for ageneral computer apparatus in electronic equipment such as PDA (PersonalDigital Assistants) which is constituted as a portable type in acomparatively small size, electronic equipment which is provided with aninput means referred to as a touch panel has been practically producedwhere various inputs can be carried out by using a finger or a dedicatedpen so as to be contacted with the face of the panel.

For example, in a case when a touch panel is constituted on a displaypanel such as an LCD panel, it becomes possible to be adaptable forcomplicated inputs by accepting the functional input allotted to thebutton or key if operation buttons, a keyboard or the like is displayedon the display panel first and then the portion of each portion of thedisplayed buttons and keys is touched even though it is a panel of acomparatively small area.

On the other hand, electronic equipment provided with an input apparatusreferred to as a jog dial for another input apparatus other than a touchpanel was practically produced in order to carry out complicated inputoperations easily in electronic equipment such as a portable telephoneterminal. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one example of a portabletelephone terminal provided with a conventional jog dial type inputapparatus. In this example, a display panel 2, a dial key 3 and the likeare disposed on the front face of a housing which constitutes a portabletelephone terminal 1 and a jog dial 4 is disposed on a side face of thehousing.

The jog dial 4 is constituted by a rotational member which is rotatableone way and the other as shown by arrows a and b in FIG. 1 and moreoverit can be pushed down to a direction of a rotational axis as shown by anarrow c in FIG. 1. In this case, it is designed such that a clickfeeling is contained to a certain degree with respect to the rotation ofthe rotational member and a mechanical click is to be generatedwhenever, for example, the rotational member is made rotated by acertain angle in a range of several tens' degree.

It is possible by providing such a jog dial 4 to carry out variousoperations which are combined by the rotational operation and thepush-down operation. For example, selection of input items (for example,input characters) can be carried out by rotating it in an arrow a or bdirection and the selected item can be decided by pushing it down in adirection shown as the arrow c, so that there is an effect that variousoperations can be carried out easily by using a single operation means.Then, it is constituted such that a mechanical click is to be generatedwhenever rotated by a certain angle as mentioned above, so that a usercan comprehend relying upon the number of clicks generated how muchdegree (for example, how many steps) it was inputted and theoperationality is improved.

Now, in case of a conventional touch panel, there was a problem that auser who is carrying out the operation cannot judge whether or not itwas correctively touched until an input corresponding to the touchedposition is executed after the panel face of the equipment is touchedand a sensor in the equipment detects the contact in either case when afinger is used or when a dedicated pen is used.

In a case when, for example, a place where an operation button isdisplayed on a display panel is touched by an input pen, if such anoperation as making a displayed color of the displayed operation buttonto be reversed is carried out after the condition of being touched isdetected by a sensor in the equipment, it is notified that an input isdone and it is comprehended that the operation was performed by thecontact just after the display panel is touched. However, such aconventional input notifying process is a process for notifying afterdetecting that an operation was performed and it was difficult to saythat it is definitely easy for a user to understand how to touch thepanel for completing an input or the like.

More specifically, being different from a case of a physical button or akeyboard, there was a problem that it could not be comprehended whetheror not an input is detected in a case when the panel is touched by howmuch degree of strength, whether or not the button is to be touched in acase when a boundary portion between the portion displayed as a buttonand its circumference is touched, or the like until the equipment isactivated practically. Such a matter can be solved to a certain degreeby being acclimated to the operation of the touch panel, but it isdifficult to say that it is preferable for operating this sort ofequipment, because habituation is necessary for the operationalreliability.

Also, a conventional jog dial type input apparatus as shown in FIG. 1needs an operation member arranged rotatably, so that there is a problemthat parts for an input apparatus becomes comparatively large-scaled ascompared with a case when push buttons or the like is simply arranged inthe equipment. With respect to the operation member constituting the jogdial 4 of the example shown in FIG. 1, the portion which can be seenfrom the outside of the housing is only a partial portion of the memberand it is practically a circular shaped component as shown by a dottedline such that relatively a large cubic capacity is expended for thedisposing space of its component inside the equipment. Consequently, acase often happens where it is difficult to arrange the conventional jogdial type input apparatus for the reason of miniaturization of theequipment.

It should be noted that it was explained about an example applied to aportable telephone terminal with reference to the example of FIG. 1, butthere is a similar problem also in case of other various electronicequipment on which a similar operation means (input means) is disposed.

A first object of the present invention is to propose an input methodand an input apparatus in which operations using an input apparatus of acontact detecting type such as a touch panel can be carried out simplyand certainly.

A second object of the present invention is to propose an input methodand an input apparatus in which operationality is satisfactory such as ajog dial type input apparatus and at the same time a large installingspace is not necessary.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An input method of a first invention is constituted so as to comprise adetection step for detecting an approach and a contact of a living bodyor material body in a predetermined detection region; a vibration stepfor making a vibration temporarily in response to a detection of theapproach in aforesaid detection step; and an input step for performing apredetermined input process in response to a detection of the contact ona predetermined condition in aforesaid detection step. In this manner,in a case when, for example, a panel is approached by a finger of onehand, a pen or the like by making the face of the panel of a small-sizedportable equipment as a detection region on a condition that theequipment is held by the other hand, the equipment vibrates temporarilyby the detection of that approach such that the vibration is transmittedto the hand holding the equipment and it becomes possible for the userto comprehend that an input can be carried out by the contact to theposition on the panel. Consequently, it will be comprehended caused bythe temporary vibration that an input could be done by touching theposition just before the face of the panel is touched, so that a secureoperation of the touch panel becomes possible.

An input method of a second invention is constituted according to theinput method of the first invention such that aforesaid vibration stepperforms a process for making a vibration temporarily also in responseto a detection of the contact on a predetermined condition in aforesaiddetection step. In this manner, it becomes possible to comprehend notonly an approach but also a contact from the vibration.

An input method of a third invention is constituted according to theinput method of the first invention such that aforesaid vibration stepperforms a process for making a vibration temporarily also in responseto a detection of the contact on a predetermined condition in aforesaiddetection step such that in aforesaid vibration step, a vibrationcondition in a case when the approach is detected is made different froma vibration condition in a case when the contact is detected. In thismanner, it becomes possible by the vibration condition to distinguish acondition of approaching and a condition of contacting.

An input method of a fourth invention is constituted so as to comprise adetection step for detecting a contact position of a living body ormaterial body in a predetermined detection region; an input step foraccepting a specific input corresponding to a contact position or achange of a contact position which is detected in aforesaid detectionstep; and a vibration step for vibrating at least a vicinity ofaforesaid detection region, temporarily every time when a change of apredetermined amount or more occurs relating to the contact position inaforesaid detection step. In this manner, a specific input is acceptedin response to a position or its position change which was detected by asensor with respect to the contact of the living body or the materialbody, so that it becomes possible to accept an input by using a planarcontact-detection sensor. Then, whenever a change of a predeterminedamount or more exists for a position contacted by the sensor, avibration corresponding to a click feeling is transmitted to a usercontacting the sensor (or to a user through a material body contactingthe sensor) by vibrating at least the vicinity of the detection regiontemporarily such that a similar feeling as in a case as if a dial havinga click feeling is making rotated can be obtained and a satisfactoryoperationality can be obtained.

An input method of a fifth invention is constituted according to theinput method of the fourth invention such that the contact detection inaforesaid detection step is detected according to strength change by acontact of a signal transmitted between one or a plurality oftransmission electrodes disposed in aforesaid predetermined detectionregion and one or a plurality of receiving electrodes. In this manner,it is possible to carry out the detection of the contact position simplyand certainly.

An input method of a sixth invention is constituted according to theinput method of the fourth invention such that the contact detection inaforesaid detection step detects simultaneous contacts on a plurality ofplaces according to strength change by a contact of a signal transmittedbetween one or a plurality of transmission electrodes disposed inaforesaid predetermined detection region and one or a plurality ofreceiving electrodes. In this manner, it becomes possible to detect aplurality of simultaneous contacts easily and satisfactorily.

An input method of a seventh invention is constituted according to theinput method of the fourth invention such that the region for performingthe contact detection in aforesaid detection step is made to be anannular region and the detection is performed according to strengthchange by a contact of a signal transmitted between one or a pluralityof transmission electrodes disposed in the annular detection region andone or a plurality of receiving electrodes. In this manner, thedetection region becomes of an endless constitution and restriction forthe number of steps capable of the input instruction disappears.

An input method of an eighth invention is constituted according to theinput method of the fourth invention such that the region for performingthe contact detection in aforesaid detection step is made to be anannular region and an operation inside the region where aforesaidannular contact detection is performed is detected by another detectionstep than aforesaid detection step. In this manner, a high technicalinput process combining an operation of a contact detection sensor andan operation of a push button type switch becomes possible.

An input method of a ninth invention is constituted according to theinput method of the fourth invention such that the region for performingthe contact detection in aforesaid detection step is made to be anannular region; an operation inside the region where aforesaid annularcontact detection is performed is detected by another detection stepthan aforesaid detection step; and a function for accepting an input inaforesaid input step is changed in response to a detection pattern inthe two detection steps. In this manner, it becomes possible to beadaptable for the operations of various functions.

An input method of a tenth invention is constituted according to theinput method of the fourth invention such that the contact detection inaforesaid detection step is detected according to strength change by acontact of a signal transmitted between one or a plurality oftransmission electrodes disposed in aforesaid predetermined lineardetection region and one or a plurality of receiving electrodes. In thismanner, the input apparatus is to be constituted as a slider type one,so that it is possible to dispose the input apparatus satisfactorily inconformity with the shape of the equipment.

An input method of an eleventh invention is constituted according to theinput method of the fourth invention such that the contact detection inaforesaid detection step is detected according to strength change by acontact of a signal transmitted between one or a plurality oftransmission electrodes disposed in a detection region which is disposedlinearly adjacent any one side of a display means performing a displayof a character or a figure and one or a plurality of receivingelectrodes. In this manner, it is possible to attain a satisfactorydisposal combining with a display apparatus in one united body.

An input method of a twelfth invention is constituted according to theinput method of the fourth invention such that the contact detection inaforesaid detection step is a process for detecting according tostrength change by a contact of a signal transmitted between one or aplurality of transmission electrodes disposed in a detection regionwhich is disposed linearly adjacent any one side of a display meansperforming a display of a character or a figure and one or a pluralityof receiving electrodes; and an input of a function relating to thedisplay in aforesaid display means is accepted by detecting the contactin the detection step. In this manner, the operation related to thedisplay come to be performed satisfactorily.

An input method of a thirteenth invention is constituted according tothe input method of the fourth invention such that the contact detectionin aforesaid detection step is a process for detecting according tostrength change by a contact of a signal transmitted between one or aplurality of transmission electrodes disposed in a detection regionwhich is disposed linearly adjacent any one side of a display meansperforming a display of a character or a figure and one or a pluralityof receiving electrodes and is a process for accepting an input of afunction relating to the display in aforesaid display means by detectingthe contact in the detection step; and an input of a function forchanging magnification or reduction of the display in aforesaid displaymeans to one or the other is accepted in a case when the contactpositions of two places detected approximately simultaneously inaforesaid detection step change such as mutually approaching and in acase when they change such as being mutually apart. In this manner, theoperation for the magnification or the reduction of the display comes tobe performed very easily.

An input apparatus of a fourteenth invention is constituted so as tocomprise a detection sensor for detecting an approach and a contact of aliving body or a material body in a predetermined detection region;control means for outputting a drive signal in a case when an approachis detected by said detection sensor and performing an input process foraccepting an input of a predetermined function in a case when a contactis detected on a predetermined condition; and an actuator responsive toan instruction from said control means for making a vibrationtemporarily. In this manner, in a case when, for example, a panel isapproached by a finger of one hand, a pen or the like by making the faceof the panel of a small-sized portable equipment as a detection regionon a condition that the equipment is held by the other hand, theequipment vibrates temporarily by the detection of that approach suchthat the vibration is transmitted to the hand holding the equipment andit becomes possible for the user to comprehend that an input can becarried out by the contact to the position on the panel. Consequently,it will be comprehended caused by the temporary vibration that an inputcould be done by touching the position just before the face of the panelis touched, so that a secure operation of the touch panel becomespossible.

An input apparatus of a fifteenth invention is constituted according tothe input apparatus of the fourteenth invention such that aforesaidcontrol means performs a process for making a vibration temporarily inaforesaid actuator also in a case when a contact on a predeterminedcondition is detected in aforesaid detection sensor. In this manner, itbecomes possible to comprehend not only an approach but also a contactfrom the vibration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an oblique perspective view showing one example of a portabletelephone terminal provided with a conventional jog dial type inputapparatus;

FIG. 2 is an oblique perspective view showing a constitutional exampleof equipment applied with an input apparatus according to a firstexemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional diagram showing an arrangement exampleinside equipment according to a first exemplified embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of an approach anda contact detecting constitution according to a first exemplifiedembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of a detectioncharacteristic according to a first exemplified embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of a detectioncharacteristic according to a first exemplified embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an operational exampleaccording to a first exemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an input process example according to afirst exemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing a constitutional modifiedexample (example of a pen input) according to a first exemplifiedembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a constitutional example of aninput apparatus (example 1 of a jog dial type) according to a secondexemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a condition of touching aninput apparatus according to a second exemplified embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an output characteristicexample on a condition of being touched as shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a condition of touching aninput apparatus at two places simultaneously according to a secondexemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an output characteristicexample on a condition of being touched as shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a process example based on an inputdetection according to a second exemplified embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a constitutional example of aninput apparatus (example 2 of a jog dial type) according to a secondexemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a constitutional example of aninput apparatus (example where a push button is combined) according to asecond exemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a constitutional example of aninput apparatus (example 1 of a slider type) according to a secondexemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a constitutional example of aninput apparatus (example 2 of a slider type) according to a secondexemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an oblique perspective view showing an example applying aninput apparatus according to a second exemplified embodiment of thepresent invention to audio equipment;

FIGS. 21 a to 21G is explanatory diagrams respectively showingoperational examples of a jog dial type input apparatus according to asecond exemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an input judgment example according tothe operational examples in FIGS. 21 a to 21G;

FIG. 23 is an oblique perspective view showing an example applying aninput apparatus according to a second exemplified embodiment of thepresent invention to a portable telephone terminal;

FIG. 24 is an oblique perspective view showing an example applying aninput apparatus according to a second exemplified embodiment of thepresent invention to a PDA;

FIGS. 25A to 25C are explanatory diagrams respectively showingoperational examples of a slider type input apparatus according to asecond exemplified embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a process example according to theoperational examples of FIGS. 25A to 25C;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a process example in a case of anadjusting mode according to the operational examples of FIGS. 25A to25C;

FIG. 28 is an oblique perspective view showing an example applying aninput apparatus according to a second exemplified embodiment of thepresent invention to card type equipment;

FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B are explanatory diagrams respectively showingoperation examples of the example of the equipment in FIG. 28; and

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a process example according to theoperational examples in FIGS. 29A and 29B.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a first exemplified embodiment according to the presentinvention will be explained.

In this example, there is shown an input apparatus which is disposed ona face of a housing constituting electronic equipment so as to beoperated by a user. FIG. 2 is an oblique perspective view showing anexample in which the input apparatus according to this example isapplied to a data processing terminal which is referred to as PDA and isconstituted in a small size as a portable type. As shown in FIG. 2, PDA100 of this example is mounted with a display panel 101 on the face.This display panel 101 is constituted, for example, by an LCD panel andit is possible to display various characters, figures and the likethereon. In addition, operation keys 102 are disposed at a lower edgeportion of the face of the PDA 100.

Then, in this example, a sensor which can detect an approach and acontact of a finger or the like to the face of the display panel 101 isinstalled in the PDA 100. More specifically, for example, as shown inFIG. 3, a substrate 110 disposed with an electrode which functions as anapproach and contact detecting sensor is disposed on the backside of thedisplay panel 101 inside the PDA 100 it is constituted such thatrespective conditions can be detected in a case when a living body suchas a finger approaches to the face of the display panel 101 and in acase when it is contacted therewith. In this case, it is constitutedsuch that it is possible to detect which position of the display panel101 is approached or contacted. A concrete constitutional example fordetecting an approach and a contact will be described later on.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a vibrator 120 which functions as an actuatorfor transmitting a vibration to the housing constituting the PDA body isdisposed inside the PDA 100 of this example and it is constituted suchthat the housing is vibrated temporarily according to the detectedcondition of the approach and the contact in the detection sensor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a constitutional example of a sensor fordetecting an approach and a contact according to this example bydecomposing it. In case of this example, a plurality of electrodes 111of a first group and a plurality of electrodes 112 of a second group aredisposed alternately and linearly with an approximately fixed distanceon the substrate 110 disposed on the backside of the display panel 101.Here, the electrode 111 of the first group is an electrode functioningas a transmission electrode and the electrode 112 of the second group isan electrode functioning as a receiving electrode. It should be notedthat in order to make the explanation simple, the electrodes 111 and 112are aligned only by one row in FIG. 4, but it is necessary to arrange aplurality of rows in a case when the region for detecting the approachand the contact is a broad area. For example, in a case whenapproximately the whole face of the display panel 101 is made to be theregion for detecting the approach and the contact, it is necessary tomake the substrate 110 have approximately the same area as that of thedisplay panel 101 and to dispose the electrodes 111 and 112 by apredetermined pattern approximately on the whole face and on thedownside of the display face of the display panel 101.

The capacitance value between the adjacent electrodes 111 and 112changes in response to a condition that a finger approaches to the faceand in accordance with capacitance coupling between the approachedfinger and the electrodes 111 and 112. In case of this example, thechange of this capacitance value is measured electrically so as todetect the approach and the contact and at the same time also so as todetect its approach or contact position simultaneously. The detail ofits detection process will be described later on. It should be notedthat an approach in the example of the present invention means acondition where a finger or the like approaches, for example, within arange of several millimeters from the face of the display panel 101.

The electrodes 111 of the first group are supplied with a specificsignal outputted from a signal source 11 in a time divisional mannerthrough a change-over switch 12. The change-over switch 12 performs aprocess for switching each of the electrodes 111 sequentially in acomparatively short period so as to supply a signal to all the providedelectrodes 111 from the signal source 11 in a time divisional manner andin a sequential order. In addition, it is constituted such that achange-over switch 13 which is switched in synchronism with thechange-over switch 12 is provided and signals obtained at the electrodes112 of the second group are supplied to an amplifier 14 in a timedivisional manner and in a sequential order. The change-over switch 12and the change-over switch 13 are constituted so as to be switched bythe same period. For example, with respect to a timing in which thechange-over switch 12 is changed over such that an electrode 111 of acertain position is supplied with a signal from the signal source 11, asignal obtained at an electrode 112 of the position adjacent to theelectrode 111 to which the signal is supplied is selected by thechange-over switch 13 and supplied to the amplifier 14.

The signal source 11 is a circuit for outputting a preset specificsignal such as, for example, an AC signal having a specific frequency.The signal outputted from the signal source 11 is supplied to theplurality of transmission electrodes 111 sequentially through thechange-over switch 12. In the amplifier 14 is connected to theelectrodes 112 which are electrodes for receiving signals fromrespective transmission electrodes 111, supplied signals are amplifiedand thereafter supplied to a synchronous detector 15. The synchronousdetector 15 is also supplied with an output signal of the signal source11 so as to detect a signal component included in the output of theamplifier 14 in synchronism with the frequency of the output signal ofthe signal source 11. The detected signal component is supplied to a lowpass filter 16 so as to be converted to a direct current and the directcurrent converted signal component is supplied to an analog/digitalconverter 17 so as to convert the signal receiving strength to digitaldata.

The data obtained in the analog/digital converter 17 are supplied to acontroller 18 which performs a control of the input apparatus. Thecontroller 18 judges the operation condition based on the supplied dataand an instruction obtained according to the judgment of the operationcondition is outputted from a terminal 20. In case of this example, thecontroller 18 judges a change of the signal strength based on the datasupplied by means of the converter 17 and judges the condition in whichthe finger or the like approaches and contacts the display panel 101based on the change of the signal strength.

Also, the controller 18 controls a pulse signal output of a pulsegenerator 19 according to the condition judged based on the data whichis supplied from the converter 17 side. The pulse signal outputted fromthe pulse generator 19 is supplied to the vibrator 120 so as to vibratethe vibrator 120. As the pulse signal outputted from the pulse generator19, for example, a pulse signal of about 20 H_(z) frequency is outputtedin a short time such as one period. A member which vibrates by beingapplied with a signal, for example, such as a piezo vibrator is used forthe vibrator 120 which is an actuator for vibration. The vibrator 120vibrates temporarily only in a short time by supplying a pulse signal ofsuch a short time to the vibrator 120 and the housing mounted with thevibrator 120 (namely, PDA 100 body) vibrates.

For example, two kinds of vibrations can be made set according to a casewhen a single-shot like vibration is made generated only one time bysupplying a pulse signal of one period to the vibrator 120 only one timeand according to a case when two consecutive vibrations are madegenerated by supplying a pulse signal of one period two times insuccession with about 0.5 seconds apart to the vibrator 120.

Here, it is possible to make the controller 18 as a control meansprovided as an input apparatus alone and it is also possible to make thecontroller of the electronic equipment (here, PDA) installed with thisinput apparatus operate also for it. Next, the principle of detecting anapproach and a contact of a finger and the like in the input apparatusof this example will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.5 shows a condition in which a specific position f₁ on the display panel101 in a right above portion disposed with the electrodes 111 and 112 istouched by one finger and the touched positions are designated as T1,T2, T3, T4, . . . . According to this example, it is in a condition thatapproximately an intermediate position f1 between a position T3 and aposition T4 is touched by one finger. When touched in this way, thesignal strength detected by the synchronous detector 15 through anelectrode corresponding to a touched angular position becomes weakerthan the signal strength detected synchronously through anotherelectrode.

For example, supposing that the positions T1, T2, T3, T4, . . .corresponds to one by one of the positions of the electrodes 111disposed by a fixed distance respectively, the receiving signal strengthof the signal which is obtained by detecting the signal from theelectrode 112 adjacent to the electrode 111 by the synchronous detector15 at a timing when the signal from the signal source 11 is supplied tothe electrode 111 of the position T1 becomes the signal strength of theposition T1. In this manner, signal strengths of all positions on whichelectrodes 111 and 112 are disposed are measured and signal strengthsbetween the positions on which the electrodes 111 and 112 are disposedare produced so as to in the controller 18 by an interpolation processsuch that on a condition that a finger or the like does not approach thedisplay panel 101 at all, approximately a uniform signal strength isobtained at any angular position as shown as a characteristic S0 for asignal receiving strength on a usual condition in FIG. 5. On the otherhand, for example, on a condition when one finger approachesapproximately the intermediate position f1 between the position T3 andthe position T4, a characteristic S1 is obtained as shown in FIG. 5where the signal receiving strength at the approached position lowers ascompared with that of other position. Further, on a condition when theapproached finger touches the face of the display panel 101 at thatposition, a characteristic S2 is obtained as shown in FIG. 5 where thesignal receiving strength at the approached position lowers moreover ascompared with that of other position.

The lower of the signal receiving strength at the touched positionoccurs according to a capacitance coupling of the finger and theelectrodes 111 and 112, so that the receiving strength lowers most atthe position of the finger. The controller 18 judges the lowering of thereceiving strength such that the position approached or touched by thefinger is calculated in the controller 18. Further, the level differencebetween the receiving strength S1 obtained when the panel is approachedand the receiving strength S2 obtained when the panel is touched isjudged in the controller 18 such that it becomes possible to distinguishan approached condition and a contacted condition.

It should be noted that the detection is possible even in a case whenplural places on the panel are simultaneously touched or approached ifthe approach and contact detection of the constitution is done as shownin FIG. 4. In a case, for example, when one finger approaches a positionf 2 in the vicinity of the position T1 and the other one fingerapproaches a position f 3 in the vicinity of the position T6, the signalreceiving strength on this condition has a characteristic S3 as shown inFIG. 6 where the signal receiving strength has lowering peaks at twoplaces of the position f 2 and the position f 3 as compared withapproximately a flat signal receiving strength S0 in case ofnon-contact. Further, when the fingers contact the face of the panel atrespective positions, a characteristic S4 is obtained where the signalreceiving strength becomes lower. Consequently, positions approached orcontacted by the two fingers are found in the controller 18 bycalculating each of the peak positions. It is possible to detectaccording to a similar principle in a case when three places or more areapproached or contacted simultaneously.

In a case when the approach or the contact of the finger is detected inthis way, it is constituted according to this invention such that thevibrator 120 is vibrated temporarily. More specifically, an operationexample is shown in FIG. 7 as example and when a finger f of the righthand R is approached within several millimeters from the face of thedisplay panel 101 on a condition that the PDA 100 is held by a left handL of a user, the vibrator 120 in the PDA 100 vibrates temporarily andthe temporary vibration is transmitted to the left hand L holding thePDA 100, so that it comes to be comprehended that an input can becarried out in case of touching that position. Further, in a case whenthe face of the display panel 101 at the approached position is touched,an input operation by means of a button and the like displayed at theposition is carried out in response to that touch. In case of thistouch, the vibrator 120 in the PDA 100 vibrates temporarily such thatthe touch can be comprehended and it comes to be comprehended that aninput process was performed.

Next, a process performed in this way corresponding to the detection ofan approach and a contact in the controller 18 will be explained withreference to a flow chart of FIG. 8. First, the controller 18 judgeswhether or not a finger (or an input pen such as described later on)approaches the display panel constituted as a detection sensor (stepST1). In a case when an approach is not detected, it stands by until anapproach is detected. In a case when an approach is detected in stepST1, it is judged whether or not the position of the approached finger(or an input pen) is within an area of an operation button displayed onthe panel (step ST2).

Here, in a case when it is judged that it approaches within the area ofthe operation button displayed, an instruction is transmitted to thepulse generator 19 so as to vibrate the actuator (vibrator 120) in afirst vibration pattern and the vibrator 120 is vibrated temporarilysuch that a tactile feedback is performed onto the hand holding theequipment (step ST3). As for the first vibration pattern at this time,for example, a condition for vibrating only one time like a single-shotis made.

Also, in a case when it is judged in step ST2 that the finger on anapproaching condition is not within the area of the button, the flow isshifted to step ST4 and it is judged whether or not the finger (or theinput pen) came to be on a condition of contacting the button displayedon the screen. Here, in a case when it is judged that a contact is done,an instruction is transmitted to the pulse generator 19 so as to vibratethe actuator (vibrator 120) in a second vibration pattern and thevibrator 120 is vibrated temporarily such that a tactile feedback isperformed onto the hand holding the equipment (step ST5). With respectto the second vibration pattern at this time, for example, the vibrationis performed two times in succession so as to be distinguishable fromthe tactile feedback when approaching.

After tactile feedback is performed in step ST5 (or simultaneously), thecontroller 18 performs an input process corresponding to the touchedbutton (step ST6). For example, in a case when a button for instructinga shift to a certain specific operation mode is touched, an instructionfor shifting the operation mode of the equipment to an operation modeallotted to that button is outputted from the output terminal 20.

Then, after the processes of step ST3 and ST6 are performed and at thesame time in a case when it is judged in step ST4 that the button on thescreen is not touched the flow returns to the judgment in step ST1.

By performing a tactile feedback process for vibrating the equipment inthis way based on the detection of the approach and the contact of afinger and the like, a user operating this equipment can comprehend by atactile caused by a vibration whether or not the position on the panelto be touched by a finger is a position being operated for a contact, sothat the operationality of the touch panel is advanced. For example, ina case when it is attempted to touch by a finger a vicinity of aboundary portion between an operation button displayed on the displaypanel and a portion which is not a button, it is comprehended whether ornot the operation button was to be pushed down when the position istouched by a vibration when a finger approaches. More specifically, in acase when a tactile by means of a vibration exists, it can becomprehended that the operation button was pushed down when the positionwas touched and in a case when a tactile by means of a vibration doesnot exist, it becomes possible to push down the operation buttoncorrectively by slightly correcting the position to be touched by thefinger.

Consequently, in a case when an operation cannot be performed caused bytouching a vicinity of a boundary portion between an operation buttonand a portion which is not a button by a finger heretofore, an operationsuch as reattempting to push down the same button once again wasnecessary, but according to a case of this example, a position to betouched can be set relying upon a tactile, so that it is possible tomake an operation certainly by touching once.

It should be noted that, the PDA 100 which was explained in connectionwith the first exemplified embodiment explained so far shows an exampleof equipment to be applied with an input apparatus according to theexample of the present invention and it is needless to say that asimilar input apparatus can be applied to various kinds of electronicequipment other than the PDA 100. In addition, the PDA 100 mentionedabove was constituted so as to detect an approach and a contact to theface of the display panel, but it is possible to apply an inputapparatus constituted so as to detect an approach and a contact topositions where a display means does not exist.

Also, in the example mentioned above, the vibrator 120 was vibratedtemporarily in both cases when an approach was detected and when acontact was detected, but it is possible to employ a constitution where,for example, a vibration is made performed temporarily only in a casewhen an approach is detected while a vibration by the vibrator 120 isnot performed in a case when a contact is detected. Alternatively, withrespect to a vibration of the vibrator 120 by detecting a contact, it ispossible to make it to vibrate temporarily in a case when the conditionof being contacted continues to a certain degree or in a case when apredetermined amount of change is detected for the contact position.Also, it is possible to make it such that a user can select whether ornot a vibration is to be made when detecting these approach and contactby setting an operation mode of the equipment. For example, it ispossible to select a mode for vibrating temporarily only in a case whenan approach is detected or a mode for vibrating temporarily in bothcases when an approach and a contact are detected.

Further, in the circuit constitution of the input apparatus shown inFIG. 4 mentioned above, signals transmitted through respectiveelectrodes in a time divisional manner are detected in such a way forapplying the signals to respective electrodes in a time divisionalmanner, but it is possible to employ a constitute where signalstransmitted through respective electrodes in other constitution orprocess are detected.

Also, in the examples explained so far, the input apparatus was todetect an approach and a contact of a finger which is a living body inrestricted and a predetermined region of a display panel and the like,but it is possible to detect a contact of a material body such as aninputting pen other than a living body and to perform an input processbased on the detection of that contact.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, it is possible toprovide an input pen 90 installed with a coil 91 and the like inside itsfront edge portion and to use electrodes and the like disposed on asubstrate 110′ which is disposed on the backside of the display panel101 of the PDA 100 so as to detect an approach and a contact of thefront edge of the input pen 90. By doing like this, it becomes possibleto detect a change of a magnetic field which is generated by anelectromagnetic induction of the coil 91 caused by the front edge of theinput pen 90 installed with the coil 91 approaching the display panel101 and to detect the position of the pen approached.

Also, with respect to the constitution for performing an approach or acontact explained in connection with the first exemplified embodimentmentioned above, only one example was shown and it is possible to applyother constitutions.

Next, a second exemplified embodiment according to the present inventionwill be explained with reference to FIGS. 10 to 29.

According to this example, an input apparatus is constituted such thatit is disposed on a face of a housing which constitutes electronicequipment and a user operates it. FIG. 10 a diagram showing one examplein a case when the input apparatus of this example is constituted as ajog dial type input apparatus and parts such as a substrate are shown byexploded.

A portion where an input apparatus is constituted on the housing 150 ofthe equipment has a convex portion 151 formed as an annularcircular-form. The annular convex portion 151 is formed by making thethickness of the resin constituting the housing 150 slightly thin suchthat the position formed with the convex portion 151 can be comprehendedby a tactile when, for example, a user touches it by his finger. In caseof this example, this annular convex portion 151 corresponds to an inputportion to be operated when a user touches by a finger and the like. Itshould be noted here that the annular convex portion 151 is formed suchthat the operation position can be comprehended by a tactile and it ispossible to make the operation position comprehended by other shapessuch as a circular projection. Alternatively, it is possible to make theoperation position comprehended by printings and the like withoutproviding a convex portion or a convex portion as a shape on the face ofthe housing 150.

Two substrates 160 and 170 are disposed on the backside of the convexportion 151. Each of the substrates 160 and 170 is shown by being apartfrom the other in FIG. 10 for an explanatory purpose, but practicallythe two substrates 160 and 170 are disposed in a condition of beingcontacted closely on the backside of the convex portion 151. Thematerial constituting each of the substrates 160 and 170 is made to be acomparatively thin material having an insulation characteristic.

Here, a plurality of electrodes 161 are disposed circularly and radiallywith approximately fixed distance on the face of the substrate 160 inconformity with the annular shape of the convex portion 151. Oneelectrode 171 of a circular shape is disposed on the substrate 170 inconformity with annular shape of the convex portion 151. The electrodes161 are used as transmission electrodes supplied with signals from asignal source 181 through a change-over switch 182. The electrode 171 isused as receiving electrodes for supplying signals obtained at theelectrode to an amplifier 183 side.

It should be noted that an example is shown here where the electrodes161 and 171 are disposed on the two substrates 160 and 170, but it ispossible to dispose the two of the electrode 161 and the electrode 171on the same substrate if it is on a condition of insulating each of theelectrode 161 and the electrode 171. Alternatively, it is possible todispose the electrode 161 on the face side of one substrate and todispose the electrode 171 on the backside thereof. In either case, thedistance between the electrode 161 and the electrode 171 is made to be avery adjacent distance such that a space between both the electrodes 161and 171 is functioned as a capacitor and signals applied to thetransmission electrode 161 are transmitted by means of the capacitancecoupling between both the electrodes 161 and 171 to the receivingelectrode 171 side. Here, the capacitance value between both theelectrodes 161 and 171 changes when the face of the convex portion 151is touched by a finger and the like according to a capacitance couplingwhich is produced between the finger and the electrodes 161 and 171 bythat contact. In case of this example, the contact position is to bedetected by measuring the change of this capacitance value electrically.The detail of the detection process will be described later on.

Then, according to this example, a vibrator 180 is mounted as anactuator for transmitting a vibration in the vicinity of a mountingposition of the substrates 160 and 170 on the backside of a formingposition of the convex portion 151 of the housing 150 and it is possibleto vibrate the vicinity of the convex portion 151 by supplying a pulsesignal from a pulse generator 188. As the vibrator 180, for example, apiezo vibrator, a coil or the like is used. It should be noted that itis not necessary to dispose the vibrator 180 necessarily on the backsideof the forming position of the convex portion 151 if the vicinity of theforming position of the convex portion 151 can be vibrated temporarilyby the vibration thereof.

Next, to explain about circuits connected to these electrodes 161 and171 and to the vibrator 180, the signal source 181 is provided as shownin FIG. 10 and a specific signal such, for example, as an AC signal of aspecific frequency is outputted from the signal source 181. The signaloutputted from the signal source 181 is supplied sequentially to theplurality of electrodes 161 through the change-over switch 182. Withrespect to the electrodes 161, a lot of them are provided for everyapproximately certain angle position as already explained and thechange-over switch 182 performs a process for switching the respectiveelectrodes 161 sequentially in a comparatively short period such thatall of the provided electrodes 161 are supplied with the signal from thesignal source 181 in a time divisional manner and in a sequential order.

Then, the electrode 171 which is an electrode for receiving signals fromrespective transmission electrodes 161 is connected with the amplifier183 and the signal received by the electrode 171 is amplified by meansof the amplifier 183 and thereafter supplied to a synchronous detector184. The synchronous detector 184 is supplied also with an output signalof the signal source 181 and detects a signal component included in theoutput of the amplifier 183 and being in synchronism with the outputsignal frequency of the signal source 181. The detected signal componentis supplied to a low pass filter 185 so as to be made to be a directcurrent and the direct current made signal component is supplied to ananalog/digital converter 186 so as to make the signal receiving strengthto be digital data.

The data obtained in the analog/digital converter 186 is supplied to acontroller 187 which performs a control of the input apparatus. Thecontroller 187 judges the operation condition based on the supplied dataand outputs an instruction obtained based on the judgment of theoperation condition from a terminal 187 a. In case of this example, thecontroller 187 judges a change of a signal strength based on the datasupplied by means of the converter 186 and judges an operation conditionof the convex portion 151 according to the change of the signalstrength.

Also, the controller 187 controls the output of the pulse signal fromthe pulse generator 188 according to the operation condition of theconvex portion 151 which was judged based on the data supplied from theconverter 186 side. With respect to the pulse signal outputted from thepulse generator 188, a pulse signal having a frequency, for example, ofabout 20 H_(z) is outputted only for one period. Here, the controller187 performs a control for outputting a pulse signal to make thevibrator 180 vibrate temporarily every time when it detects that theposition touching the annular shaped convex portion 151 changes as muchas a certain angle (for example, every 30°). It should be noted that thecontroller 187 can be a control means provided as an input apparatusalone, but it is possible to use the controller of the electronicequipment on which this input apparatus is installed also for thatpurpose.

Next, the principle of detecting a condition touched to the convexportion 151 in the input apparatus according to this example will beexplained with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. FIG. 11 shows a condition inwhich a position being formed with the convex portion 151 is touched byone finger and the touched angular position is shown as T1, T2, T3, T4,. . . . In this example, it is on a condition that approximately anintermediate position f 4 between the position T3 and the position T4 istouched by one finger. When touched in this manner, the signal strengthdetected by the synchronous detector 184 through the electrodecorresponding to the touched angular position becomes weak as comparedwith the signal strengths detected synchronously through otherelectrodes.

For example, assuming that the angular positions T1, T2, T3, T4, . . .correspond to angular positions of the electrodes 161 one by one whichare disposed by a fixed distance, the receiving signal strength of thesignal detected by the synchronous detector 184 becomes the signalstrength of the angular position T1 at the timing when the signal fromthe signal source 181 is supplied to the electrode 161 of the positionT1. In this manner, by measuring signal strengths of all angularpositions disposed with the electrodes 161 so as to produce signalstrengths among the angular positions disposed with the electrodes 161according to an interpolation process in the controller 187,approximately a uniform signal strength is obtained at any angularposition on a condition that a finger or the like does not touch theconvex portion 151 at all as shown in FIG. 12 as a characteristic S0 ofa signal receiving strength on a usual condition.

On the other hand, on a condition that approximately an intermediateposition f 4 between the position T3 and the position T4 is touched byone finger as shown in FIG. 11, a characteristic S1 as shown in FIG. 12is obtained where the signal receiving strength at the touched angularposition is made lowered compared with those of other positions.

The lowering of the signal receiving strength at the touched position isproduced by the capacitance coupling between the touched finger and theelectrodes 161 and 171, and the receiving strength is most lowered at anangular position touched by the finger. The controller 187 judges thelowering of the receiving strength such that the angular positiontouched by the finger is calculated in the controller 187.

In the example of FIGS. 11 and 12 only an example where only one placeof the convex portion 151 is touched was explained, but it is possiblefor the contact position detection according to the principle of thisexample to detect the contact even if it happens that a plurality ofplaces of the convex portion 151 are to be touched simultaneously. Forexample, when a position f 5 in the vicinity of the angular position T1is touched by one finger and a position f 6 in the vicinity of theangular position T6 is touched by another finger as shown in FIG. 13,the signal receiving strength on this condition comes to have acharacteristic S2 as shown in FIG. 14 where lowered peaks of the signalreceiving strengths are obtained at two places in the vicinity of theangular position T1 and in the vicinity of the angular position T6 ascompared with approximately a flat signal receiving strength S0 ofnon-contacting case. Consequently, angular positions touched by the twofingers are found in the controller 187 by calculating each peakposition. It is possible to detect in a case when three or more placesare contacted simultaneous according to a similar principle.

Next, a process performed for detecting a contact position of the convexportion 151 in this way in the controller 187 will be explained withreference to a flow chart of FIG. 15. First, the controller 187 judgeswhether or not it is detected that a finger contacts the convex portion151 corresponding to the jog dial (step ST11). In a case when a contactis not detected, it stands by until a contact is detected. Then, in acase when a contact is detected, a contact position (here, an angularposition) of the finger when its contact was detected is detected (stepST12). Here, it is judged whether or not a change of a certain amount(here, a certain amount of angle) or more occurred as compared with acontact position detected previously (step ST13) and in a case when achange of a certain amount or more occurred, a generation process of aclick is performed (step ST14).

The generation process of a click here is a process for transmitting apulse generation instruction from a controller 47 to the pulse generator188 and for making the vibrator 180 vibrate temporarily by supplying asingle-shot like pulse signal from the pulse generator 188 to thevibrator 180 such that a temporary vibration is transmitted to thefinger touching the convex portion 151.

Then, in a case when after a click generating process is performed instep ST14 and a change of a certain amount or more was not detected instep ST13, the flow shifts to step ST15 and the controller 187 outputsan instruction for performing an input process corresponding to arotational direction and a rotation amount of the contact position atthat time from the terminal 187 a. For example, in a case when a scrollof the display screen in the display apparatus is set to be performed inresponse to a contact operation to the convex portion 151 correspondingto a jog dial and when a rotation of the contact position is detected byapproximately 180° in a clockwise direction, the picture screen is madescrolled in one direction to the position corresponding to that 180°.Also, when a rotation of the contact position by approximately 90° in acounterclockwise direction is, detected, the picture screen is madescrolled in the other direction as much as a position corresponding tothat 90°. After the input process is performed in this way, the flowreturns to a contact detection of step ST11.

In this manner, it is possible to constitute an input apparatuscorresponding to a conventional jog dial without using a movable membersuch as a rotational knob at all. In this case, it is constituted suchthat a vibration corresponding to a click feeling is to be transmittedto a finger touched by temporarily vibrating the vibrator 180 every timewhen an angle touched by the finger changes by a certain angle or more,so that similar operation sensitivity is obtained as when a jog dialhaving a click feeling is operated and satisfactory operationality canbe secured. It should be noted that an input process is performed inresponse to the rotation detection of the contact position in a processexample according to the flow chart of FIG. 15, but in a case when atemporary or continuous contact without being accompanied by a rotationis detected, it is also possible to perform an input processcorresponding to each detection.

Also, the disposition example of the transmission electrode and thereceiving electrode shown in FIG. 10 is merely shown as one example andit is possible to detect contact positions by other electrodedisposition. According to a constitution shown in FIG. 16, in a casewhen a plurality of electrodes are disposed radially on a substrate 190disposed on a backside of the annular convex portion 151, electrodes 191a of a first group and electrodes 191 b of a second group are dividedone by one and alternately. The electrode 191 a of the first group issupplied with a signal in a time divisional manner from the signalsource 181 through a change-over switch 182 a. Also, it is constitutedsuch that a change-over switch 182 b which is switched in cooperationwith the change-over switch 182 a is provided and the signals obtainedin the electrodes 191 b of the second group are supplied to theamplifier 183 in a time divisional manner.

The constitution for processing the output of the amplifier 183 is madeto be same as the constitution shown in FIG. 10. More specifically, anoutput of the amplifier 183 is supplied to the synchronous detector 184so as to perform a detection in synchronism with the output of thesignal source 181, the detected signal is passed through the low passfilter 185, thereafter made to be data in the analog/digital converter186, and the converted data are judged in the controller 187. Also, acontrol of a pulse supplied from the pulse generator 188 to the vibrator180 is carried out based on the judged condition of the controller 187and a vibration corresponding to a click feeling is generated.

In case of employing the constitution as shown in FIG. 16, when there isno contact of a finger or the like on the annular convex portion 151 atall, capacitances formed between electrodes 191 a of the first group andadjacent electrodes 191 b of second group become approximately equal atany position, so that the signal receiving strengths detected by thecontroller 187 become approximately constant. On the other hand, in acase when a finger or the like contacts any one of the positions of theannular convex portion 151, the capacitance formed between an electrode191 a of the first group and an electrode 191 b of the second groupwhich are positioned at the back portion of that contact positionchanges in response to a capacitance coupling between the contactedfinger and both the electrodes 191 a and 191 b, so that the lowering inthe signal receiving strength at that position is detected by thecontroller 47. Consequently, similar characteristics as the examplesshown in FIGS. 11 to 14 are obtained as characteristics caused by acontact of a finger or the like and it becomes possible that a contactposition by a finger or the like is to be detected in the controller 47.It is needless to say that simultaneous contacts at a plurality ofpositions as shown in FIG. 13 can be detected.

Also, it is possible to combine the input apparatus according to theexample of the present invention with other operation means such as apush button type switch. An example shown in FIG. 17 is an example wherethe input apparatus according to the example of the present inventionand a push button type switch are combined. According to this example,an opening 152 is formed at the center of the annular convex portion 151as shown in FIG. 17 and a button 153 of a circular form or the like isto be engaged into the opening 152 so as to be constituted as a switchwhich performs an input by the pushing down of the button 153. In thiscase, openings 162 and 172 are provided at the center of the substrates160 and 170 respectively such that an axis 154 of the button 153 is tobe retained on a condition that it is inserted through the openings 162and 172 of the substrates 160 and 170. In this case, button 153 isconstituted such that it is retained on a condition of slightly pushedup by means of a spring or the like. Also, a receiving electrode 171′ onthe substrate 170 is constituted as an electrode portion having an areaenlarged until near the center such that an electrode (not shown) of thebutton 153 side and the electrode 171′ contact each other when thebutton 153 is pushed down.

Then, the signal is to be supplied from the signal source 181′ also tothe bottom face side of the button 153 and it is constituted such thatwhen the button 153 inserted through the opening 152 of the housing 150is operated (that is, pushed down), the signal supplied from the signalsource 181′ is to be transmitted to the electrode 171′ on the substrate170. By doing like this, when the button 153 is operated, signalsreceived by the electrode 171′ is processed in the receiving systemcircuits succeeding to the amplifier 183 and signals corresponding tothe condition of the button 153 pushed down are detected in thecontroller 187. The signal supplied from the signal source 181′ to thebutton 153 side and the signal supplied from the signal source 181′ toeach of the transmission electrodes 161 are made distinguished on thecontroller 187 side, for example, as different signals. Alternatively,with respect to signals supplied to the button 153 side, it is possibleto make them to be transmitted by way of the change-over switch 182 soas to supply them thereto in a time divisional manner together with eachof the transmission electrodes 161. It should be noted that the vibrator180 is not vibrated during the operation detection period of the button153.

By constituting like this, it happens that the operation means by meansof the convex portion 151 and the operation means by means of the pushbutton 153 are to be combined such that it becomes possible to performan operation instruction more high-technically. Details of a morespecific operational example in case of employing such a constitutionwill be described later on as an example combined with actual equipment.It should be noted also with respect to a push button type switchdisposed at the center the annular convex portion 151 that it ispossible to employ a switch using a contact detection sensor which canoperate only by being touched with a finger or the like.

Also, the examples explained so far were related to examples constitutedas a jog dial type input apparatus which is constituted by a circularconvex portion or the like, but it is possible to constitute as anothershaped input apparatus to which a contact detection processingconstitution according to this invention is applied. For example, asshown in FIG. 18, it is possible to constitute it as a slider type inputapparatus having a contact detection portion elongated linearly.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, it is constituted such that a linearconvex portion 155 is formed on the face of the housing 150 andcontacting this linear convex portion 155 by a finger or the like can bedetected. The linear convex portion 155 is formed by a process formaking the thickness of the resin constituting the housing 150 slightlythin or the like such that the position formed with the convex portion155 can be comprehended by a tactile when, for example, a user touchedit with his finger. It should be noted that it is possible to comprehendthe linear operation position by a shape other than a convex portion orby a printing.

Two substrates 160 and 170 are disposed on the backside of the convexportion 155. Each of the substrates 160 and 170 is shown by being apartfrom the other in FIG. 18 for an explanatory purpose, but practicallythe two substrates 160 and 170 are disposed in a condition of beingcontacted closely on the backside of the convex portion 155. Thematerial constituting each of the substrates 160 and 170 is made to be acomparatively thin material having an insulation characteristic.

Here, a plurality of electrodes 163 which are aligned linearly withapproximately fixed distance in conformity with the linear shape of theconvex portion 155 are disposed on the face of the substrate 160. Oneelectrode 173 of a linear shape is disposed on the substrate 170 inconformity with the shape of the convex portion 151. The electrodes 163are used as transmission electrodes supplied with signals from a signalsource 181 through a change-over switch 182. The electrode 173 is usedas receiving electrodes for supplying signals obtained at the electrodeto an amplifier 183 side.

It should be noted also in this example of FIG. 18 that an example isshown similarly as the example of FIG. 10 or the like already explainedwhere the electrodes 163 and 173 are disposed on the two substrates 160and 170, but it is possible to dispose the two of the electrode 163 andthe electrode 173 on the same substrate if it is on a condition ofinsulating each of the electrode 163 and the electrode 173.Alternatively, it is possible to dispose the electrode 161 on the faceside of one substrate and to dispose the electrode 171 on the backsidethereof. In either case, the distance between the electrode 163 and theelectrode 173 is made to be a very adjacent distance such that a spacebetween both the electrodes 163 and 173 is functioned as a capacitor andsignals applied to the transmission electrode 163 are transmitted bymeans of the capacitance coupling between both the electrodes 163 and173 to the receiving electrode 173 side. Here, the capacitance valuebetween both the electrodes 163 and 173 changes when the face of theconvex portion 155 is touched by a finger and the like according to acapacitance coupling which is produced between the finger and theelectrodes 163 and 173 by that contact. In case of this example, thecontact position is to be detected by measuring the change of thiscapacitance value electrically.

Then, according to this example, a vibrator 180 is mounted in thevicinity of a mounting position of the substrates 160 and 170 on thebackside of a forming position of the convex portion 155 of the housing150 and it is possible to vibrate the vicinity of the convex portion 155by supplying a pulse signal from a pulse generator 188. As the vibrator180, for example, a piezo vibrator, a coil or the like is used. Itshould be noted that it is not necessary to dispose the vibrator 180necessarily on the backside of the forming position of the convexportion 155 if the vicinity of the forming position of the convexportion 155 can be vibrated temporarily by the vibration thereof.

With respect to the circuits connected to these electrodes 163 and 173and the vibrator 180 have the same constitutions as those alreadyexplained in FIG. 10 or the like. More specifically, the signal source181 is provided and a specific signal such, for example, as an AC signalof a specific frequency is outputted from the signal source 181. Thesignal outputted from the signal source 181 is supplied sequentially tothe plurality of electrodes 163 through the change-over switch 182. Withrespect to the electrodes 163, a lot of them are provided for everyapproximately certain distance and the change-over switch 182 performs aprocess for switching the respective electrodes 163 sequentially in acomparatively short period such that all of the provided electrodes 163are to be supplied with the signal from the signal source 181 in a timedivisional manner and in a sequential order.

Then, the electrode 173 which is an electrode for receiving signals fromrespective transmission electrodes 163 is connected with the amplifier183, the output of this amplifier 183 is detected by the synchronousdetector 184, the detected output is supplied to a low pass filter 185so as to be made to be a direct current, and the filtered output issupplied to an analog/digital converter 186 so as to make the signalreceiving strength to be digital data.

The data obtained in the analog/digital converter 186 is supplied to acontroller 187 which performs a control of the input apparatus. Thecontroller 187 judges the operation condition based on the supplied dataand outputs an instruction obtained based on the judgment of theoperation condition from a terminal 187 a. In case of this example, thecontroller 187 judges a change of a signal strength based on the datasupplied by means of the converter 186 and judges an operation conditionof the convex portion 155 according to the change of the signalstrength.

Also, the controller 187 controls the output of the pulse signal fromthe pulse generator 188 according to the operation condition of theconvex portion 155 which was judged based on the data supplied from theconverter 186 side. Here, the controller 187 performs a control foroutputting a pulse signal to make the vibrator 180 vibrate temporarilyevery time when it detects that the position touching the linear shapedconvex portion 155 changes as much as a certain distance (for example,every 1 cm).

With respect to the principle for detecting the condition of touchingthe convex portion 155 in the input apparatus of the constitution inFIG. 18, it is completely similar to the principle for detecting thecondition of touching the annular convex portion 151 shown in FIG. 10 orthe like such that a change of the signal receiving strength cooperatedwith the change of the capacitance caused by the contact of a finger orthe like is detected so as to detect the contact position. It ispossible to detect the contact position according to the principle shownin FIGS. 13 and 14 in a case when a plurality of positions are touchedsimultaneously. Then, the controller 187 performs an input process inresponse to the variation of the detected position or the like. Also,the vibrator 180 vibrates temporarily every time when the change of thecontact position becomes a predetermined distance such that a vibrationcorresponding to a click feeling is transmitted.

It should be noted that it is possible to employ other arrangement alsowith respect to the electrode arrangement in a case when a slider typeinput apparatus is applied. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, in a casewhen a plurality of electrodes are aligned linearly with a fixeddistance on a substrate 190 disposed on a backside of the linear convexportion 155, electrodes 192 a of a first group and electrodes 192 b of asecond group are divided one by one and alternately. The electrode 192 aof the first group is supplied with a signal in a time divisional mannerfrom the signal source 181 through a change-over switch 182 a. Also, itis constituted such that a change-over switch 182 b which is switched incooperation with the change-over switch 182 a is provided and thesignals obtained in the electrodes 192 b of the second group aresupplied to the amplifier 183 in a time divisional manner.

The constitution for processing the output of the amplifier 183 is madeto be same as the constitution shown in FIG. 18. More specifically, anoutput of the amplifier 183 is supplied to the synchronous detector 184so as to perform a detection in synchronism with the output of thesignal source 181, the detected signal is passed through the low passfilter 185, thereafter made to be data in the analog/digital converter186, and the converted data are judged in the controller 187. Also, acontrol of a pulse supplied from the pulse generator 188 to the vibrator180 is carried out based on the judged condition of the controller 187and a vibration corresponding to a click feeling is generated.

In a case when the constitution as shown in FIG. 19 is employed, thereceiving signal strength of the receiving electrode 192 b at thecontact position also lowers and it is detected by the controller 187that a contact exists at that position. Also with respect to a case ofthis example, the detection is possible with respect to simultaneouscontacts at a plurality of positions.

Next, it will be explained about an example where an input apparatusexplained until now is to be mounted on electronic equipment. FIG. 20 isa diagram showing an example applied to portable type audio equipment.This example shows portable type audio equipment 500 which is providedwith a jack 501 for connecting a headphone and a plug 503 of a headphone502 is connected to the jack 501. Then, an audio signal stored(recorded) on a medium (semiconductor memory, etc.) in the equipment 500is reproduced such that the reproduced audio is to be listened-inthrough the headphone 502. A display unit 504 for displaying areproducing circumstance and the like is provided on a face of theequipment 500. Then, a so-called jog dial type input apparatus of thepresent invention composed of an annular operation unit (convex unit)511 and a push button unit 512 disposed at the center of the annularoperation unit is disposed on a face of a housing constituting theequipment 500 and adjacent to the display unit 504. The input apparatusis realized, for example, by a constitution shown in FIG. 17.

As for operation examples on the condition that the annular operationunit 511 and the push button unit 512 are disposed in this manner, thereare operation examples, for example, such as shown in FIGS. 21 a to 21G.More specifically, it can be carried out relating to an operation forpushing down the push button unit 512 (FIG. 21 a), a rotationaloperation touching the annular operation unit 511 by a finger liketurning it (FIG. 21 b), an operation for moving a finger from the rightedge of the annular operation unit 511 to the left edge of the annularoperation unit 511 by passing through the push button unit 512 (FIG.21C), an operation for pushing down the push button unit 512 andthereafter moving it to the left side (FIG. 21D), an operation forpushing down the push button unit 512 and thereafter moving it to theright side (FIG. 21E), an operation for touching the left edge of theannular operation unit 511 and thereafter pushing down the push buttonunit 512 (FIG. 21F), an operation for touching the right edge of theannular operation unit 511 and thereafter pushing down the push buttonunit 512 (FIG. 21G) and the like.

In a case when these operations are detected by the controller in theinput apparatus, the operation modes corresponding to respectiveoperations are to be set and input processes in the operation modes areto be performed such that various operations become possible for theaudio equipment 500 by using the annular operation unit 511 and the pushbutton unit 512.

The flow chart of FIG. 22 is a process example for discriminatingrespective operation conditions shown in FIG. 21 by the controller. Forexample, first, the controller judges whether or not an operation of thepush button exists (step ST21) and in a case when an operation of thepush button is detected, it is judged after the operation detection ofthe push button whether or not a detection of a contact exists in theannular operation unit constituted as a contact sensor (step ST22).Here, in a case when a contact in the annular operation unit is notdetected, it is judged that there exists merely an operation of the pushbutton and the flow is shifted to step ST23 so as to perform a processfor accepting an input of the push button operation. The input acceptingprocess of this step ST23 corresponds, for example, to an operation ofFIG. 21A.

In a case when a contact to the annular operation unit is detected instep ST22, the contact position is judged (step ST24). Then, the flow isshifted to step ST25, and the operation of the push button and a processthereafter for accepting the input corresponding to the contact at aspecific position in the annular operation unit are performed. The inputaccepting process of this step ST25 corresponds, for example, to anoperation of FIG. 21D or FIG. 21E.

In a case when an operation of the push button is not detected in stepST21, the flow is shifted to step ST26 so as to judge whether or not adetection of a contact in the annular operation unit constituted as acontact sensor exists. Here, in a case when a contact is not detected inthe annular operation unit, the flow returns to a judgment of step ST21and stands by until any one of the operations is performed. Then, in acase when a contact in the annular operation unit is detected in stepST26, the contact position is judged (step ST27). Further, it is judgedwhether or not the contact position changes along the circumferentialdirection of the convex portion (step ST28), in a case when it is judgethat the contact position changes along the circumferential direction,its variation and the changing direction are judged (step ST29), and aninput accepting process corresponding to the judged direction andvariation is performed (step ST30). The input accepting process of thisstep ST30 corresponds, for example, to the operation of FIG. 21 b.

In a case when a change of a contact position along the circumferentialdirection is not detected in step ST28, it is judged whether or not anoperation of the push button exists (step ST31) and in a case when anoperation of the push button is not detected, the flow returns to stepST21 and stands by until any one of the operations is performed. In acase when an operation of the push button is detected in step ST31, itis judged further thereafter whether or not a detection of a contactexists in the annular operation unit constituted as a contact sensor(step ST32). In a case when a contact in the annular operation unit isnot detected according to this judgment, an input accepting processcorresponding to a contact operation on a specific position at theannular operation unit and an operation of the push button thereafter isperformed (step ST33). The input accepting process of this step ST33corresponds, for example, to the operation of FIG. 21F or FIG. 21G.

In a case when a contact in the annular operation unit is detectedaccording to the judgment in step ST32, the contact position is judged(step ST34). Then, a contact operation in the annular operation unit, anoperation of the push button thereafter and a process for accepting theinput corresponding to the contact operation in the annular operationunit further thereafter are performed (step ST35). The input acceptingprocess of this step ST35 corresponds, for example, to an operation ofFIG. 21C.

In this manner, it becomes possible to discriminate respective operationexamples shown in FIGS. 21A to 21G by the controller. Here, since theoperation examples are for the audio equipment 500, various operationsnecessary for the audio equipment become possible only by using theoperation unit 511 and the push button unit 512 if respective operationsare allotted to operations of respective functions which are necessaryfor the audio equipment. For example, almost all operations necessaryfor the audio reproduction become possible by allotting the rotationaloperation shown in FIG. 21 b to an adjustment of the reproduced soundvolume, by allotting the operation of the push button unit 512 merelyshown in FIG. 21A to a reproducing stop operation and by allotting otheroperations to a reproduce start, a track shift and the like.

Then, since the annular operation unit 511 has a constitution ofdetecting a contact by using electrodes disposed inside even though theinput apparatus can carry out such complicated operations, an inputapparatus can be constituted as a very thin type and it is easy toinstall it in small-sized audio equipment 500. In addition, in case ofoperating by using the annular operation unit 511, a vibration is to begenerated corresponding to the movement of the contact position for thesake of operationality, so that a feeling corresponding to a clickfeeling can be obtained similarly as in a case when a roller having aclick feeling such as that in a conventional jog dial type inputapparatus is to be rotated and satisfactory operationality can beobtained.

In the example of FIG. 20, an example is shown where an input apparatusof this invention is applied to audio equipment, but the input apparatusof this invention is also applicable to other electronic equipment. Forexample, it can be disposed on a portable telephone terminal 200 asshown in FIG. 23. More specifically, the portable telephone terminal 200is to be constituted such that a first housing 201 and a second housing202 are joined at a junction portion 203 so as to be foldable. In thiscase, keys 204 such as a dial key and a function key are disposed on thefirst housing 201, a display unit 205 is disposed on the second housing202 and an annular operation unit (convex portion) 211 and a push buttonunit 212 at the center of the operation unit 211 are further disposed inthe first housing 201 such that a so-called jog dial type inputapparatus according to this invention is disposed.

With respect to the push button unit 212 here, it is not a switch of asimple push button, but it is constituted as a push button which iscombined with a plurality of push buttons (for example, four ones) andcan appoint directions such as up and down, right and left or the likeaccording to its pushing down direction. Then, the annular operationunit 211 which can carry out an input according to a contact of a fingeror the like is disposed such as surrounding the push button unit 212.This input apparatus can be applied, for example, to the constitution ofthe input apparatus shown in FIG. 17. However, the push button unit 212has a different number of buttons, so that it is necessary to make aslight change in the constitution from that shown in FIG. 17.

By providing an input apparatus constituted in this manner on theportable telephone terminal 200, various input operations necessary forthe telephone terminal can be carried out by using the annular operationunit 211 and the push button unit 212. In case of this portabletelephone terminal, the annular operation unit 211 can be constituted asa thin type, so that it is easy to install it into a thin type portabletelephone terminal. In addition, a satisfactory operationality can besecured with respect to the operationality. More specifically, in caseof operating by using the annular operation unit 211, a vibration is tobe generated corresponding to the movement of the contact position, sothat a feeling corresponding to a click feeling can be obtainedsimilarly as in a case when a roller having a click feeling such as thatin a conventional jog dial type input apparatus is to be rotated andsatisfactory operationality can be obtained. It should be noted that itis possible to employ a constitution using a dedicated vibrator 180 as avibration means for vibrating the vicinity of the input apparatus asexplained in FIG. 10 or the like in a case when an input apparatus ofthis invention is installed in the portable telephone terminal 200, andit is also possible to vibrate the terminal temporarily in case ofoperating by means of the annular operation unit 211 by using avibration means for vibrating when receiving signals in a case, forexample, when the portable telephone terminal is a terminal providedwith a function of notifying receiving signals by vibrating the terminalwhen receiving signals. Conversely, it is possible not only to vibratethe vibrator 180 provided with this invention when being operated by theoperation unit but also to use it as a vibration means for vibrating theterminal when receiving signals.

Also, with respect to the annular operation unit 211 in this example, itis formed as an elliptical shape but not as a perfect circle shape asshown in FIG. 23, but the shape of the operation unit can be arbitrarilychangeable in conformity with the shape of the equipment to be applied,because the member of the operation unit according to this example hasno mechanism which is physically rotational such as that of aconventional jog dial.

Next, an example in which an input apparatus of this inventionconstituted as a slider type input apparatus is installed in electronicequipment will be explained. FIG. 24 is an example in which a slidertype input apparatus of this invention is installed in a portable typedata processing terminal which is referred to as PDA (Personal DigitalAssistants). The PDA 300 is constituted to have a thin type of andperpendicularly long housing in which a comparatively large-scaleddisplay unit 301 is disposed on the front face and several operationkeys 303 are disposed on the downside. A display of character data suchas a received E-mail, a schedule and the like or a display of map datastored in a memory within the terminal and the like can be carried outon the display unit 301. It should be noted that, in case of displayingmaps on the PDA 300 of this example, it is designed such that thereduction of display can be changed by two or more steps.

Then, it is constituted here such that slider type operation units 311,312 and 313 are disposed along the borders of the three sides of thequadrangle display unit 301. More specifically, with respect to thedisplay unit 301, there are disposed a slider type operation unit 311 onthe left side, a slider type operation unit 312 on the right side and aslider type operation unit 313 on the downside respectively. Each of theslider type operation units 311, 312 and 313 is constituted, forexample, as an input apparatus shown in FIG. 18 or FIG. 19 such thatthey can operate when the operation unit is touched by a finger or thelike. In this case, it is constituted such that simultaneous contacts ona plurality places can be also detected according to the principle shownin FIGS. 13 and 14.

Here, an input process using the slider type operation units 311, 312and 313 is to be performed according to a process mainly related to apicture screen displayed on the display unit 301. FIGS. 25A to 25C arediagrams showing examples of operation conditions. Here, it is assumedthat at least three kinds of operations can be carried out.

More specifically, in a case when a map or the like is displayed on thedisplay unit 301, it is constituted as shown in FIG. 25A such that ifthe slider type operation unit is touched by one finger and the touchedposition is moved, the display region of the display screen (map, etc.)is to be scrolled according to that movement. In this case, the scrollof the display region in a longitudinal direction is performed by theoperation of the slider type operation unit 311 or 312 which is disposedlongitudinally and the scroll of the display region in a lateraldirection is performed by the operation of the slider type operationunit 313 which is disposed laterally.

Then, in case of a map displayed and as shown in FIG. 25B, in a casewhen two fingers touch the slider type operation unit and an operationsuch as widening the distance between the two fingers is performed or ina case when an operation such as narrowing the distance between the twofingers is performed, it is constituted such that the reduction of thedisplayed map changes. For example, in a case when an operation such aswidening the distance between the two fingers is performed, a map inwhich the reduction of the displayed map is made small and only apartial region is magnified is displayed on the display unit 301. Also,in a case when an operation such as narrowing the distance between thetwo fingers is performed, a map in which the reduction of the displayedmap is made large and only a wide region is displayed by being reducedis displayed on the display unit 301.

Also, it is constituted as shown in FIG. 25C such that in a case whenthe slider type operation unit 311 on the left side and the slider typeoperation unit 312 on the right side are touched simultaneously to beoperated, an adjusting mode for adjusting a setting circumstance of theequipment or the like is obtained and an adjustment is carried out.

Process examples in the controller in a case when operations relating toscrolling, magnifying and reducing of the picture screen as shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B are performed will be explained with reference to theflow chart of FIG. 26. First, it is judged whether or not a contact isdetected at only one place of any one of the operation units (stepST41). In a case when a contact at only one place is detected accordingto this judgment, it is judged whether or not the contact position ischanging (step ST42). In a case when the contact position does notchange, the flow returns to the judgment of step ST41 and stands by.

In a case when the contact position changed according to the judgment ofstep ST42, scrolling of the picture screen corresponding to contactposition is performed (step ST43). At this time, the scroll at this timeis performed with respect to the direction in which the contact positionchanges. More specifically, in a case when a change of the contactposition upward is detected for the slider type operation unit 311 or312 of the right and left, the display screen is scrolled upward and ina case when a change of the contact position downward is detected forthe slider type operation unit 311 or 312 of the right and left, thedisplay screen is scrolled downward. Also, in a case when a change ofthe contact position to the left direction is detected for the slidertype operation unit 313 on the downside, the display screen is scrolledto the left direction and in a case when a change of the contactposition to the right direction is detected for the slider typeoperation unit 313 on the downside, the display screen is scrolled tothe right direction.

Also, in a case when it is judged according to the judgment of step ST41that the contact is not for only one place, it is judged whether or notthere are simultaneous contacts of two places within one operation unit(step ST44). When it is judged according to this judgment that it isother than simultaneous contacts of two places, the flow returns to thejudgment of step ST41 and stands by. In a case when it is judgedaccording to the judgment of step ST44 that there are simultaneouscontacts of two places, it is judged whether or not the width betweenthe two contacted places changes such as being widened (step ST45). In acase when it is judged here that it is widened, the reduction of thedisplayed map is changed to a small reduction in response to the widenedwidth (step ST46). For example, it is designed such that the reductionof the display changes so as to display a magnified map of a smallreduction by one step every time when the distance between the twofingers touching the one operation unit is widened by approximately 1cm.

Also, in a case when it is judged according to the judgment of step ST45that the width between the two places is not widened, it is judgedwhether or not the width between the two contacted places is changingsuch as being narrowed (step ST47). In a case when it is judged herethat it is narrowed, the reduction of the displayed map is changed to alarge reduction in response to the narrowed width (step ST48). Forexample, it is designed such that the reduction of the display changesso as to display a reduced map of a large reduction by one step everytime when the distance between the two fingers touching the oneoperation unit is narrowed by approximately 1 cm.

In a case when it is not detected in step ST47 that it is narrowed, theflow returns to the judgment of step ST41 and stands by. Also, the flowreturns to step ST41 after the input processes of steps ST43, ST46 andST48 are performed and stands by until there is a next operation.

By being processed as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 26, it is possibleto perform operations of scrolling the displayed map andreduction-setting of the display easily by using a slide type operationunit. It should be noted that the reduction of the display is to bechanged here, because an example of displaying a map is taken, but it ispossible to change the display magnification according to a similarprocess when characters, figures or the like other than a map aredisplayed. More specifically, it is possible to perform a magnifyingprocess such as making the display magnification high in a case whenthere is an operation such as widening the distance between two fingersand to perform a reducing process such as making the displaymagnification low in a case when there is an operation such as narrowingthe distance between two fingers.

Next, a process example according to the control of the controller in acase when the two slider type operation units 311 and 312 are operatedsimultaneously as shown in FIG. 25C will be explained with reference tothe flow chart of FIG. 27. First, controller judges whether or not thereis an operation for making an adjusting mode (step ST51). Here, anadjusting mode is supposed to be established in a case when it isdetected that the two operation units 311 and 312 are contactedsimultaneously. In case of not detecting such a contact condition, itremains and stands by. It should be noted that it is possible to designwith respect to an operation for making an adjusting mode such that anoperation of another key or the like is to be necessary.

In a case when an adjusting mode is established by this process, a listof adjusting items is displayed to the left of the picture screen on thedisplay unit 301 and it is to be displayed that one adjusting item isselected therein as shown in FIG. 25C as an example. Also, an adjustingamount for the selected item is to be displayed to the right of thepicture screen. In the displayed example of FIG. 25C, a condition isshown where an adjustment for the brightness of the picture screen[brightness] is selected as an adjusting item and 45% brightness is setas an adjusting amount.

It is detected in step ST51 that an adjusting mode is established and ina case when an adjusting picture screen was displayed, it is judgedwhether or not the contact position detected in the operation unit 311on the left side changes (step ST52). Here, in a case when the contactposition detected in the operation unit 311 on the left side changes,the adjusting item is changed in response to the variation of theposition and the display is also changed correspondingly (step ST53).For example, when the contact position detected in the operation unit311 changes a little bit to the upper side on a condition that[brightness] is selected as an adjusting item as shown in FIG. 25C, itwill be changed to [volume] which is displayed on the upper side of[brightness]. In a case when a change of the contact position in theoperation unit 311 on the left side is not detected in step ST52 andafter and a process for changing the adjusting item is performed in stepST53, the flow is shifted to step ST54 whether or not the contactposition detected in the operation unit 312 on the right side changes.Here, in a case when the contact position detected in the operation unit312 on the right side changes, the adjusting amount relating to theadjusting item selected at that time is changed in response to thevariation of the position and the display thereof is also changedcorrespondingly (step ST55). For example, when the contact positiondetected in the operation unit 312 changes to the upper side or to thedownside on a condition that [brightness] is selected as an adjustingitem as shown in FIG. 25C, the value will be changed up or down from theadjusting amount of 45% at present.

Thereafter, it is judged whether or not a process for ending theadjusting mode was performed (step ST56). As for the judgment here, forexample, an item designated as “adjusting mode ended” is provided forone of the adjusting items which are set according to the change of thecontact position in the operation unit 311 on the left side such thatthe adjusting mode is to be ended in case of selecting that item by theoperation of the operation unit 311 on the operation unit 311.Alternatively, the adjusting mode is to be ended in a case when acondition that there is no contact in the two operation units 311 and312 becomes beyond a period of a certain degree. Further alternatively,the adjusting mode is to be ended by an operation of any of the keys. Ina case when an ending process of the adjusting mode is not performed,the flow returns to the judgment of step ST52.

In this manner, it is possible to carry out an adjusting operation ofdata set in the equipment easily by using two slider type operationunits 311 and 312 on the right hand and on the left hand and by using afinger of a hand holding the PDA 300 or the like. It was explained herein connection with an example for performing an adjustment, but it ispossible to perform other input operation by a similar process.

Next, an example will be explained where an input apparatus of thisinvention constituted as a slider type input apparatus is installed inanother electronic equipment. FIG. 28 shows an example in which a slidertype input apparatus of this invention is installed in a card type dataprocessing terminal (hereinafter referred to as card type equipment).The card type equipment 400 of this example is constituted in a cardshaped and thin type of housing, is provided with a display unit 401 andthe like, and a slider type operation unit 411 is disposed on the faceof the end face of the equipment (namely, a card), and further, a slidertype operation unit 412 is disposed also on the backside and at thebackside position of the slider type operation unit 411.

Each of the slider type operation units 411 and 412 is constituted as aninput apparatus shown, for example, in FIG. 18 or FIG. 19 and theoperation is made possible by a finger or the like touching theoperation unit. In this case, it is constitution such that simultaneouscontacts of a plurality of places can also be detected according to theprinciple shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are diagrams showing an example of operationconditions of the equipment 400. Here, it is constituted such that theoperation can be carried out not only by an operation using theoperation unit 411 or 412 on each side alone but also by an operationusing the operation units 411 and 412 on both of the front and the backsides simultaneously. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 29A, theoperation units 411 and 412 are touched such as the end faces on whichthe operation units 411 and 412 of the card type equipment 400 aredisposed are put between two fingers, the touched position of theoperation unit 411 of the front side is moved to the upper side by oneof the fingers touching, and the touched position of the operation unit412 of the backside is moved to the downside by the other of thefingers. By operating such as enlarging the distance between the twofingers in this manner, for example, a zooming process is performed inorder to change the display reduction or the display magnification ofthe picture screen displayed on the display unit 401 to one directionsimilarly as an example shown in FIG. 25B with reference to the PDA 300mentioned above. Also, in a case when the distance between the twofingers is operated so as to be narrowed conversely with respect to theoperation of FIG. 29A, the display magnification or the displayreduction (or display magnification) of the picture screen is changed tothe opposite direction.

Also, as shown in FIG. 29B, when the operation units 411 and 412 aretouched such as the end faces on which the operation units 411 and 412of the card type equipment 400 are disposed are put between two fingersand the two fingers touching are moved downward approximatelysimultaneously, the display position of the picture screen displayed onthe display unit 401 is scrolled downward. Also, when the two fingersare moved upward approximately simultaneously conversely with respect tothe operation of FIG. 29B, the display position of the picture screendisplayed on the display unit 401 is scrolled upward.

To explain a process example in the controller in case of performing theinput process in this manner with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 30,first, it is judged whether or not it is detected that simultaneouslycontacts exist in the slider type operation units 411 and 412 on thefront and back sides (step ST61). In a case when a condition in whichonly either one of operation units is contacted or a condition in whichthere is no contact at all was detected according to that judgment, theflow is shifted to other process which is not shown. Then, in a casewhen it was detected that simultaneously contacts exist in the operationunits 411 and 412, it is judged whether or not the contact positions arechanging in the same direction in the slider type operation units 411and 412 on the front and back sides (step ST62). Here, in a case when itis judged that they are changing in the same direction, the flow isshifted to step ST63 and performs a scroll process of the display.

Also, in a case when a change in the same direction is not detected instep ST62, it is judged whether or not they are changing in thedifferent direction in the slider type operation units 411 and 412 onthe front and back sides (step ST64). Here, in a case when it is judgedthat they are changing in the different directions, the flow is shiftedto step ST65 and a zooming process of the display is performed.

The slider type operation units 411 and 412 are provided on both thefront and back sides in this manner and a scrolling process, a zoomingprocess and the like of the display are performed according to theoperation conditions of the two slider type operation units 411 and 412,so that a highly technical operation becomes possible by using onlyfingers of one hand for holding while, for example, the card typeequipment 400 is held by that one hand. It should be noted that a scrollprocess and a zooming process of the display are to be performed here,but it is possible to perform an input process of other functionnecessary for the equipment 400 according to a similar operation.

It should be noted that the equipment 200, 300, 400 and 500 so farexplained show examples of equipment to be applied with a jog dial typeor a slider type operation unit and it is needless to say that theoperation unit of this invention can be applied also to variouselectronic equipment other than these of equipment 100 to 400.

Also, in the example of the input apparatus shown in FIGS. 10 to 19, itis constituted such that a click feeling is obtained by providing thevibrator 180 and by applying a temporary vibration based on the detectof the contact position, but it is possible to employ a constitutionwhere such a vibration means is omitted for no vibration relying uponequipment to be applied. Further, in case of providing the vibrator 180,it is also possible to employ a constitution where it does not vibraterelying upon the operation mode.

Also, in the circuit constitution of the input apparatus shown FIGS. 10to 19, signals transmitted to respective electrodes were detected in atime divisional manner by applying signals to respective electrodes in atime divisional manner, but it is possible to constitute such thatsignals transmitted to respected electrodes are to be detected by meansof other constitution or process.

Also, it is constituted in the examples explained so far such that theinput apparatus detects a contact of a finger which is a living bodywithin a restricted region such as an annular or a linear convexportion, but it is needless to say that it is possible to detect acontact of a material body such as a pen for input other than a livingbody and to perform an input process based on the detection of thecontact.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, a vibration is made in a case whenan approach of a living body or a material body is detected in apredetermined detection region, so that in a case when the panel isapproached by a finger of one hand, a pen or the like on a conditionthat the equipment is held by the other hand on a condition, forexample, that the face of the panel of small-sized portable equipment ismade as a detection region, the equipment vibrates temporarily caused bythe detection of that approach and the vibration is transmitted to thehand holding the equipment such that a user is to comprehend accordingto the contact at the position on the panel that an input can be carriedout. Consequently, it is to be comprehended from the temporary vibrationjust before the face of the panel is touched that an input can becarried out when the position will be touched, so that it becomespossible to operate the touch panel securely.

In this case, it is to be comprehended from a vibration not only withrespect to an approach but also with respect to a contact by outputtinga drive signal also in a case when a contact on a predeterminedcondition is detected in a detection sensor and by performing a processfor vibrating temporarily in an actuator.

Also, by setting a vibration condition for vibrating the actuator in acase when an approach is detected by the detection sensor and avibration condition for vibrating the actuator in a case when a contactis detected by the detection sensor to be different vibrationconditions, it becomes possible from the vibration conditions todistinguish a condition of approaching and a condition of contacting.

Also, the detection sensor is a sensor for detecting a magnetic field orsignal strength in a detection region and it is to be judged bydistinguishing an approach of a living body or a material body and acontact of a living body or a material body based on a variation of themagnetic field or signal strength detected by the detection sensor, sothat it becomes possible by using one sensor to detect certainly bydistinguishing an approach and a contact.

Also, the judgment is performed relating to an approach and/or a contactposition according to a position or a timing at which the magnetic fieldor the signal strength changed in the detection region of the detectionsensor, so that it becomes possible to judge easily also with respect tothe approach and/or the contact position.

Also, according to the present invention, a specific input is acceptedin response to a position or a change of the position at which thesensor detected a contact of a living body or a material body, so thatit becomes possible to accept an input by using a planar shaped contactdetection sensor. Then, by temporarily vibrating at least the vicinityof the detection region every time when a change of a predeterminedamount or more of the contact position occurs in the sensor, a vibrationcorresponding to a click feeling is transmitted to a user contacting thesensor (or a user through a material body contacting the sensor) and asimilar feeling can be obtained as if a dial having a click feeling wererotated and a satisfactory operationality can be obtained.

In this case, the contact detection sensor is composed of a transmissionelectrode disposed in the detection region on a predetermined conditionand a receiving electrode and a contact position is detected based onthe signal strength of a specific signal obtained at the receivingelectrode, so that it is possible to detect simply and certainlyrelating to the detection of the contact position.

Also, in case of detecting a contact position by disposing thetransmission electrode and the receiving electrode in such a manner,simultaneous contacts at a plurality of places are detected based on thesignal strength received by the receiving electrode, so that it becomespossible to detect a plurality of simultaneous contacts easily andsatisfactorily.

Also, the detection region of the contact detection sensor is made to bean annular region, so that the detection region becomes an endlessconstitution and the restriction for the number of steps capable ofinput instructions or the like disappear.

Also, the detection region of the contact detection sensor is made to bean annular region and a push button type switch is disposed inside theannular region, so that a highly technical input process becomespossible by combining the operation of the contact detection sensor andthe operation of the push button type switch. For example, it becomespossible to handle various functions of operations by changing thefunction for accepting the input in response to detection patterns oftwo detections of a detection of a contact in the contact detectionsensor and a detection of an operation of a push button type switch.

Also, it is constituted as a slider type input apparatus by forming thedetection region of the contact detection sensor to be a linear region,so that it is possible to dispose the input apparatus satisfactory inconformity with the shape of the equipment. For example, it is possibleto dispose it satisfactorily in one united body with the displayapparatus by disposing this linear detection region adjacent to any oneof the sides of the display means which performs the display ofcharacters or figures.

In a case when it is disposed adjacent to the display means in thismanner, it becomes possible to carry out operations relating to thedisplay satisfactorily by making inputs of the function relating to thedisplay on the display means to be accepted according to the detectionof the contact in the contact detection sensor.

Further, it becomes possible to carry out an operation for themagnification or the reduction of the display very easily by acceptingan input of the function for changing the magnification or the reductionof the display on the display means to one or the other in a case whenthe contact positions at two places which were detected approximatelysimultaneously by the one or a plurality of contact detection sensorschange such as being approaching mutually and in a case when they changesuch as being apart mutually.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An information-processing apparatus,comprising: a display control unit controlling a display unit to displayinformation; and a first contact position detecting unit and a secondcontact position detecting unit, the first contact position detectingunit being disposed on a first surface of the information-processingapparatus, the second contact position detecting unit being disposed ona second surface of the information-processing apparatus, and the firstsurface being opposite the second surface, wherein: the first contactposition detecting unit is configured to detect a first contact with theinformation-processing apparatus, the first contact being associatedwith a position on the first surface; the second contact positiondetecting unit is configured to detect a second contact with theinformation-processing apparatus, the second contact being associatedwith a position on the second surface; the display control unitdetermines whether a direction of a change in the first contact positioncorresponds to a direction of a change in the second contact position,and controls the display unit based on the determination.
 2. Theinformation-processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: at least one ofthe first or the second contact position detecting units detects (i) amotion of the corresponding first or second contact position, and (ii) achange in a distance separating the first and second contact positions;and the display unit displays at least a portion of the information inaccordance with an amount or a direction of the second change.
 3. Theinformation-processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a thirdcontact position detecting unit for detecting a third contact with theinformation-processing apparatus, the third contact being associatedwith a corresponding contact position, and the third contact positiondetecting unit being disposed on an end of the information-processingapparatus opposite of the first contact position detecting unit and thesecond contact position detecting unit.
 4. The information-processingapparatus claim 3, wherein: at least one of the first or the secondcontact position detecting units detects (i) a motion of thecorresponding first or second contact position, and (ii) a change in adistance separating the first and second contact positions; and thethird contact position detecting unit detects a change in the thirdcontact position; the information-processing apparatus increases ordecreases an amount of adjustment of a controlling operation inaccordance with the change in separation distance; and theinformation-processing apparatus adjusts the controlling operation inaccordance with the change in the third contact position.
 5. Theinformation-processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: at least one ofthe first or second contact position detecting units detects the changein one of the first or second contact positions, the first and secondcontact positions being separated by a fixed distance; and the displaycontrol unit modifies a display position of at least a portion of theinformation, based on the change in the first and second contactpositions.
 6. The information-processing apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe display control unit further controls the display unit to perform ascroll operation on at least a portion of the displayed information,when the direction of change in the first contact position correspondsto the direction of change in the second contact position.
 7. Theinformation-processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display controlunit further controls the display unit to perform a zooming operation onat least a portion of the displayed information, when the direction ofchange in the first contact position does not correspond to thedirection of change in the second contact position.
 8. Aninformation-processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit forcontrolling said information-processing apparatus; a display controlunit controlling a display unit to display information; and a firstcontact position detecting unit and a second contact position detectingunit, the first contact position detecting unit being disposed on afirst surface of the information-processing apparatus, the secondcontact position detecting unit being disposed on a second surface ofthe information-processing apparatus, and the first surface beingopposite the second surface, wherein: the first contact positiondetecting unit is configured to detect a first contact with theinformation-processing apparatus, the first contact being associatedwith a position on the first surface; the second contact positiondetecting unit is configured to detect a second contact with theinformation-processing apparatus, the second contact being associatedwith a position on the second surface; and the display control unitdetermines whether a direction of a change in the first contact positioncorresponds to a direction of a change in the second contact position,and controls the display unit based on the determination.
 9. Theinformation-processing apparatus of claim 8, wherein: at least one ofthe first or second contact position detecting units detects the changein one of the first or second contact positions, the first and secondcontact positions being separated by a fixed distance; and the displaycontrol unit modifies a display position of at least a portion of theinformation, based on the change in the first and second contactpositions.